In

Cottage Charm

Posted on February 18, 2019

Luxury meets Lifestyle

Stock Custom Homes’ two-story row houses on Old Naples’ 6th Street South are each impeccably furnished for spacious, contemporary living in the heart of downtown. Located just a few blocks from the highly desirable 5th Avenue shopping and dining district, and a short stroll to the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the trio of homes offers nostalgic Naples Cottage charm.

“The crispness of the exteriors exudes the cottagey feel, where you are just a hop, skip, and a jump from the beach, yet you are in the elegant part of Naples as well. It is a real coastal home that embraces the elegance of Naples with the proximity to the sea,” says Stock Development Vice President of Sales and Marketing Claudine Leger-Wetzel.

The overall design reflects the signature Florida-style of Matt Kragh of MHK Architecture & Planning. The team refers to them as shotgun houses—long and narrow—with each 3,800-square-foot home being just 35 feet wide. The design masterfully incorporates a first floor master suite, living room, and dining room, with an additional two bedrooms, loft, bonus room, and guest cabana on the second floor. The seamless indoor-outdoor connection is completed by landscape architect Christian Andrea’s designs.

“Naples is all about outdoor living so we put as much glass as we could in the living, dining, and kitchen areas to bring the outside in; you don’t feel like you’re in a narrow home when you’re in those spaces,” says Steven Jallad, MHK Architecture & Planning director of residential design. “We moved the master suite to the front of the house, allowing those spaces to all open to the pool and outdoor living.”

The interiors, each executed by a different design firm, present potential buyers with unique styles, carefully selected details, background finishes, and furnishings.

“Our goal was to work with what we consider three of the area’s top design firms and to give them the same blueprints but have a different look and feel in each house. We met with them to make sure there wasn’t duplication of materials or design because we all know each of us lives a little bit differently,” explains Leger-Wetzel. “There is something for every buyer.”

The cottages harken back to Old Florida, when Naples was a small town and arriving travelers meandered along a few blocks of shops and sidewalk cafes, soaking in the sun and picturesque way of life. Each of the three is offered for sale, fully furnished, complete with a lifestyle ready to savor and enjoy.

Each home in this trio of Old Naples’ cottages designed by MHK Architecture & Planning for Stock Custom Homes includes three bedrooms, a guest cabana, covered lanai adjoining with the pool and spa, and a three-car garage all within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and shops.

CINNABAR DESIGN

The Hamptons-style design of the southernmost row home was a synergistic collaboration by the entire Cinnabar Design team comprised of President Diana Hall, President, CEO Laurie Walter, and interior designer Elizabeth Manchego.

What was Cinnabar Design trying to accomplish with the design?

A home that Stock could sell effortlessly & quickly! We want 9 out of 10 people to walk in and say, “I could live here.”

What is a favorite part of the project?

The overall relaxed feeling you get when entering the home. You are greeted by shiplap walls, a custom railing, and a polished-nickel light fixture. Vintage 1953 black-and-white photos add ambience to the cozy space. Natural elements in the living area, such as the large piece of driftwood high above the sofa, add texture. The juxtaposition of the contemporary Lucite cocktail table with the petrified wood console table also adds interest.

How did the location influence the team’s design?

Being so close to the beach and a walk to Fifth Avenue, we wanted to create a transitional coastal feeling. Although the home has a “beachy” flair, we wanted to be sure to keep a level of sophistication in line with the price point of the home.

What was the inspiration?

We were inspired by South Hampton. The coastal design aesthetic flows throughout the entire home incorporating natural elements—linens, cottons, grasscloth, and rattan. This home would certainly appeal to an affluent resident with a family. Special guests can escape to a private sanctuary, the cabana suite which we completed with a built-in banquette for dining/lounging, and a wet bar.

SOCO INTERIORS

“Walk to dinner. Walk to the store. Walk to the beach! The perfect combination of location and design,” note design principal Jill Cotton and senior designer Daniel Kilgore of Soco Interiors. Kilgore designed the center row home for “universal appeal.”

Describe your idea for this project.

To take a classic New York loft concept and reimagine it with a coastal twist. Stock has always been so generous with giving us the freedom to think outside the box and create a truly unique home that stands out from the rest.

What is your favorite part of the project and why?

The great room, as it is the centerpiece of the first floor and needs to serve many functions. It really connects the dining, living, and outdoor living spaces, so the flow of the furniture became a top priority. I am particularly happy with the curved sectional which was discovered on a trip to High Point Market with the client.

Did the location influence your design decisions?

Most definitely! Downtown Naples is such a melting pot of different cultures, so I wanted the project to have a very “collected” feel. I accomplished that by curating a unique collection of furniture, artwork, and accessories that make each space memorable.

Who did you visualize living in this space?

I think good design should be universal and not exclude anybody. I think we have achieved a unique representation of the downtown Naples lifestyle by focusing on balancing stylish elegance with comfort and practicality.

The custom stair railing that we designed. The elongated shape of the iron balusters brings so much personality to the home and we love how it is carried throughout the upstairs hallway that is visible from below.

Did the location/lifestyle influence the design?

Absolutely. The beauty of this home is the many windows and doors that flood the interior with natural light. The outdoors is brought in through the large sliders in the kitchen, living room, and double French doors flanking the fireplace that lead to the al fresco dining space under the pergola.

How did you approach the different areas of the home?

We designed casual yet elegant spaces that allow the homeowner to utilize both the indoors and outdoors for entertaining. We created thoughtful spaces such as a grouping of four chairs upstairs arranged around an oversized ottoman by the wet bar that is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine.

What influenced the color choices?

In the main living and dining area we chose a palette of subdued tones of blue and green with a touch of purple to complement the luscious landscaping surrounding the home. We carried this theme throughout the home with the exception of the cabana suite where we used an unexpected combination of burnt orange and indigo blue.